Analysis & Reports

Russia has sold Kilo-class submarines to China and Iran, known for their stealth capabilities, although their effectiveness is debated due to limitations in modern warfare. The Kilo-class submarines, originally designed during the Cold War, continue to be a significant part of Russia's arms exports. Their affordability and operational simplicity have made them attractive to countries lacking advanced submarine technology.

Japan's Ministry of Defense submitted a record-high defense budget request for FY2027, focusing on the development of AI systems for military applications, including satellites for rapid information processing. Concerns have been raised about the potential violation of Japan's self-defense principles due to the use of AI in military operations, particularly regarding missile capabilities and decision-making. The report highlights the risks associated with AI in military contexts, referencing past incidents of misjudgment.

Boeing proposed the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone to Japan's Ministry of Defense for its coastal defense strategy. The drone, developed with the Royal Australian Air Force, is designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets. Japan has previously collaborated with Boeing on drone testing and is exploring unmanned aircraft capabilities as part of its defense modernization efforts.

The South Korean Navy tested a humanoid robot named PIBOT as a helmsman in a ship-handling simulator in Jinhae on August 23. This marks the first public demonstration of the robot's capabilities outside of aviation. The military is facing a personnel shortage, prompting interest in robotic solutions for operational roles.

L3Harris Technologies completed the first 35 units of the Viper Shield electronic warfare system for F-16 fighter jets, marking the start of full production. Eight allied nations, including Bahrain, Bulgaria, and Poland, have ordered a total of 233 units. The system is designed to protect F-16s from radar-guided missiles and can be mounted inside the aircraft or carried as an external pod. Peru has also selected the system for its new F-16 Block 70 jets.

The 77th Group Army conducted live-fire exercises in the Karakoram Plateau, testing artillery and missile capabilities under challenging conditions. Troops executed integrated fire support operations, successfully intercepting aerial targets and adapting to high-altitude environments. The exercises included both day and night operations, demonstrating enhanced coordination among various military units.

The destroyer 'Jiang Jian' was officially commissioned into the Korean People's Army Navy during a ceremony attended by Kim Jong-un at Wonsan port on June 6. The vessel has undergone extensive evaluations to verify its combat performance and reliability, symbolizing North Korea's military and technological advancements.

The destroyer 'Jiang Jian' was officially commissioned into the Korean People's Navy during a ceremony in Wonsan on September 6. Kim Jong-un attended the event, highlighting the destroyer's role in showcasing North Korea's military capabilities and technological progress. The vessel had undergone extensive evaluations to verify its combat performance before its commissioning.

The U.S. Navy is reassessing the role of aircraft carriers in modern warfare due to emerging threats from drones, cyber intrusions, and advanced missile systems. As the strategic environment shifts towards peer competitors like China and Russia, the Navy is adapting its carrier operations to maintain effectiveness. Despite concerns about obsolescence, carriers continue to play a crucial role in U.S. naval strategy, providing air power and operational flexibility.

China and Iran are enhancing their military strategies to neutralize U.S. aircraft carriers by increasing their operational distance rather than sinking them. This involves improved surveillance capabilities and the development of advanced anti-ship missiles. The focus is on reducing the effectiveness of U.S. carrier operations in the Taiwan Strait and the Pacific Ocean, reflecting lessons learned from past military engagements.

China unveiled the Type 100 tank during a military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025, marking its entry into active service in combined-arms exercises by May 4, 2026. The PLA's tank fleet has decreased to approximately 6,640 tanks, including various generations, reflecting a modernization effort. The Type 100 features an unmanned turret and a smaller 105mm gun, indicating a shift in armored warfare strategy.

Japan is modernizing its fleet of 98 F-15J jets under the Japan Super Interceptor program to enhance their capabilities against modern threats. The upgrades include advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and compatibility with new missile systems. This modernization aims to improve the F-15J's ability to detect and engage low-observable targets while working alongside Japan's F-35s.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VMFA-533) has taken over rotational duty in Japan, replacing VMFA-232 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on September 5, 2025. This marks VMFA-533's first deployment with the F-35B Lightning II, enhancing U.S. combat-ready aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment is part of the U.S. Marine Corps' Unit Deployment Program, which has been operational since 1980.

The People's Liberation Army Navy Aviation has significantly developed since its establishment in 1952, becoming a crucial force in safeguarding China's maritime sovereignty. Key milestones include the commissioning of the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers and the operational readiness of the J-15 fighter jet. The naval aviation forces continue to enhance their capabilities with the upcoming commissioning of the Fujian aircraft carrier, expected by November 2025.

China is ramping up production of J-20 and J-35A stealth fighters, with the Chengdu plant capable of producing 100 J-20s annually. The total Chinese fighter production capacity is estimated at 300 to 400 aircraft per year, aiming for a fleet of 1000 fifth-generation fighters by 2030. The People's Liberation Army Air Force is expanding its capabilities significantly, while the U.S. has only 184 F-22s remaining in inventory.

Four Soviet-built aircraft carriers have had varied fates: one is a luxury hotel in Tianjin, another serves as a theme park in Shenzhen, one is operational in the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya, and the last is being scrapped. The Admiral Kuznetsov remains with Russia but is plagued by mechanical issues and is likely to be scrapped. The collapse of the USSR has left the Russian Navy struggling to maintain its naval capabilities.

Canada is reviewing its decision to purchase F-35 fighters, with an initial commitment of 16 aircraft scheduled for delivery to Luke Air Force Base in 2026 and 2027. The Canadian Armed Forces aim for initial operational capability by 2029 and full capability by 2033, while managing political tensions with the U.S. that complicate the procurement process. Construction delays at key bases are also affecting timelines.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is projected to have approximately 50 J-20 stealth fighters in 2020, increasing to about 300 by mid-2025, with total production potentially reaching 1,000 by 2030. The J-20 is designed to enhance China's air combat capabilities, featuring advanced missile systems like the PL-15 and PL-16, which provide a significant range advantage over Western fighters. This production increase indicates a growing maturity in China's military aviation industry.

Five Chinese destroyers, including the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Guilin, conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea in September 2023. The formation showcased approximately 368 vertical launch system cells, highlighting China's naval capabilities. The Guilin returned to frontline service after repairs following a collision in 2025, indicating a shift towards a more aggressive naval posture in the region.

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New satellite images reveal that China's largest stealth drone, the WZ-X, is undergoing testing at Malan Air Base in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The drone, identified in imagery from 2024 to 2026, features a wingspan of approximately 52 meters and is part of a broader program that includes the GJ-X stealth combat drone. Analysts note that Malan Air Base serves as a key testing site for the Chinese Air Force's uncrewed aircraft.